Southern Tasmanian Dance Eisteddfod cancelled due to coronavirus fears

A popular dance eisteddfod which usually stars thousands of Tasmanian children is the latest large-scale event to be cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

A POPULAR dance eisteddfod featuring thousands of Tasmanian children is the latest large-scale event to be scrapped due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The long-running Southern Tasmanian Dance Eisteddfod was due to take place from July 3-11 at the Derwent Entertainment Centre, but organisers say they had no choice but to cancel.

Meanwhile, it is not known whether two of the state’s biggest events – the V8 Supercars at Symmons Plains and Agfest – will go ahead as those involved hold off making a decision.

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STDE vice-president Della Stevens said a decision to cancel the eisteddfod was made early because of potential financial losses to both organisers and families.

A group performing at the 2019 Southern Tasmanian Dance Eisteddfod. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

She said many schools have not yet ordered costumes or started rehearsing.

“Everybody is very devastated by it. It’s a big thing for Hobart and they all look forward to it,’’ she said.

“I’ve heard some kids are upset by it but it was the best call for everybody.”

Mrs Stevens said up to 3000 participants would have been involved in the eisteddfod, with the potential for 2000 children to be at the venue at any one time.

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Rescheduling was ruled out because renovations to the DEC are due to start in August.

Earlier this week, Dark Mofo organisers pulled the pin on that event, citing the risk of financial exposure of a last-minute cancellation.

That was before Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday that non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people should be avoided.

The V8 Supercars at Symmons Plains is due to be held from April 3-5. Attracting 55,000 fans last year, it is by far the state’s biggest sporting event.

Supercars at Symmons Plains last year. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

A spokesman for Supercars Australia said rescheduling the event was being considered.

Agfest is scheduled for May and organisers have not yet cancelled the event, but said they would await advice from authorities before making a final decision.

Mr Morrison’s announcement resulted in a flood of cancellations from the organisers of other Tasmanian events, including Relay for Life cancer fundraisers, the Southern Tasmanian Netball Association club season and the BMX Australia national championships in Launceston.

Yesterday, Netball Australia said the under-17 and under-19 national championships due to be held in Hobart next month would not go ahead.

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Next week’s Forth Valley Blues Festival and next month’s Flinders Island Food and Crayfish Festival were also cancelled.

The Odeon Theatre has suspended ticket sales to all shows up until July.

And Citywide Baptist Church has decided to live-stream its service online today for the first time.

Senior pastor Matt Garvin said the church would also be taking additional precautions for those who attend its Lenah Valley or Mornington sites, including asking people to refrain from shaking hands.